Case Study: VRS Cert — GHG Validation & Verification Body
Scope: Verification and Validation of GHG (projects, products and corporate) · Accreditation body: GAB, Qatar · Year: 2024–25
How SSTC enabled VRS Cert to establish its V&V framework and achieve accreditation within one year
2024–25
GAB, Qatar
The Challenge
VRS Cert aspired to establish itself as a competent Validation and Verification (V&V) body, capable of delivering credible greenhouse-gas (GHG) validation and verification services in line with internationally recognised standards.
The challenge was to build the entire conformity assessment framework from scratch — including the management system, technical procedures, impartiality safeguards, personnel competence requirements, and validation and verification methodologies — to meet the applicable accreditation requirements.
VRS Cert needed a structured, end-to-end approach to transform its ambition into an operational V&V body ready for accreditation.
Our Solution
SSTC Global partnered with VRS Cert to design and establish its V&V body from the ground up. SSTC provided comprehensive consultancy and accreditation-readiness support, developing the management system, technical framework and operational procedures around the following international standards:
- ISO/IEC 17029 – Conformity assessment: General principles and requirements for validation and verification bodies.
- ISO 14065 – Requirements for bodies validating and verifying environmental information.
- ISO 14064-3 – Specification and guidance for the verification and validation of greenhouse-gas statements.
- ISO 14066 – Competence requirements for validation and verification teams.
The engagement covered the design and implementation of the required systems, documentation, competence framework, operational controls and supporting processes to prepare VRS Cert for accreditation assessment.
Rather than providing isolated documentation or limited advisory services, SSTC supported the development of an integrated framework intended to enable VRS Cert to operate as a competent and credible V&V body.
Implementation Journey
- 1Framework Design and Gap Assessment: Established the requirements and implementation roadmap for developing a V&V body in accordance with the applicable international standards and accreditation criteria.
- 2Management System and Technical Documentation: Developed the management system, policies, procedures, technical methodologies and operational controls necessary for validation and verification activities.
- 3Competence and Operational Readiness: Established the framework for personnel competence, impartiality, risk management, evidence evaluation, technical review and decision-making.
- 4Accreditation Preparation: Supported VRS Cert in preparing its systems and processes for external accreditation assessment, addressing the requirements applicable to its intended scope.
- 5Accreditation Achievement: Within one year, VRS Cert achieved accreditation from the Global Accreditation Bureau (GAB), Qatar, marking a significant milestone in its development as a V&V body.
Results and Impact
- Built from scratch: Established the foundational management system and technical framework for a V&V body.
- Four international standards integrated: Structured the system around ISO/IEC 17029, ISO 14065, ISO 14064-3 and ISO 14066.
- Accreditation within one year: VRS Cert achieved accreditation from GAB, Qatar, within one year of the development journey.
- Foundation for strategic expansion: Established a platform for pursuing further accreditation scopes in emerging climate-assurance markets.
Looking Ahead: The Next Frontier
Building on its accreditation journey, VRS Cert is pursuing further strategic ambitions in two important areas:
- CBAM Verification: Developing its capabilities towards accreditation for verification of greenhouse-gas emissions under the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), with a focus on opportunities in the UAE.
- Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM), Article 6.4: Exploring the pathway towards accreditation as a Designated Operational Entity (DOE) under the UNFCCC mechanism, subject to the applicable requirements and approval process.
These ambitions reflect the growing importance of credible, independent emissions verification in international trade, carbon markets and climate accountability.
WE DON’T JUST ADVISE. WE DELIVER.
This engagement demonstrates SSTC Global's approach to consultancy: translating complex international standards and accreditation requirements into practical, operational systems that help organisations build capabilities, achieve milestones and prepare for new market opportunities.
From establishing the system to preparing for accreditation and future expansion, SSTC supports the journey from concept to implementation.
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